Ghana and Uruguay are set to meet again at the FIFA World Cup in a repeat of their 2010 quarter-final.Uruguay must beat the Ghanaians to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages.A draw could be enough for Ghana to progress to the Round of 16, if results elsewhere go their way
Preview:
Ghana’s 3-2 victory over Korea Republic has put them in a comfortable position ahead of the last round of matches in Group H. Coach Otto Addo’s team can secure their ticket to the Round of 16 with a win, while even a draw would be enough for them to reach the knockout stages provided that the Koreans do not beat Portugal by four or more goals. Meanwhile La Celeste find themselves in a far more tense situation. Coach Diego Alonso’s side have yet to score at this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar and currently lie fourth in the table with only one point. As a result, only a win over the Black Stars will suffice if they are to have any chance of making it into the last 16.If Korea Republic also beat Portugal, the two sides will be level on points and goal difference will determine who gets out of the group.
The match is a date with destiny for both teams, with progression to the next round of the tournament at stake – a situation reminiscent of the legendary quarter-final between Ghana and Uruguay back in 2010. The fact that the same two sides must now battle it out in the final round of group matches 12 years later seems like a twist of fate.
Team news :
There is a distinct possibility that both teams could take to the pitch with unchanged starting line-ups. The involvement of Ghana left-back Gideon Mensah does not seem to be in doubt, as although the Auxerre defender had to be substituted with a knock in the final minutes against Korea Republic, he has since been able to train with his team-mates. Meanwhile Uruguay’s attacking midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta has been doing his best to earn a place in the starting 11, having delivered a committed performance after coming off the bench against Portugal. The 28-year-old’s efforts could be enough for coach Diego Alonso to give him a start in their final group match.
Head to head:
Many football fans will still remember the quarter-final between Ghana and Uruguay at South Africa 2010. Luis Suarez became a Uruguayan hero after transforming himself into a goalkeeper to palm away the Ghanaians’ goal-bound shot in stoppage time of extra-time.
Suarez was given his marching orders for the save and the Black Stars were awarded a penalty, only for Asamoah Gyan’s effort to strike the crossbar. Uruguay then defeated Ghana in the subsequent shootout.
Possible starting XIs:
Ghana: Lawrence Ati Zigi; Tariq Lamptey, Daniel Amartey, Mohammed Salisu, Gideon Mensah; Thomas Partey, Salis Abdul Samed; Mohammed Kudus, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew; Inaki Williams
Uruguay: Sergio Rochet; Guillermo Varela, Diego Godin, Jose Gimenez, Sebastian Coates, Mathias Olivera; Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Giorgian De Arrascaeta; Luis Suarez, Darwin Nunez
Venue:Al Janoub Stadium